SAN ANTONIO -- It is almost time to be stand up and be counted.
Census Day is April 1, 2010. The government wants to start counting the number of people living in Bexar County and across the country.
City and county leaders will ask everyone here to make sure they fill out the 2010 Census forms, then mail them back in. The federal forms willie sent out in March. They're important because they help determine how much federal funding San Antonio and Bexar County will get for things like hospitals, emergency services and job training centers.
Wednesday, San Antonio Major Julian Castro and Bexar County leaders reminded everyone to take part. They want to make sure we all know that being counted means power and money for Bexar County.
"Over $400 billion in federal funding is given out every year based on census data," explained Jeff Behler of the U.S. Census Bureau. "This is money for our roads, school lunch programs, police and fire departments. So, it is extremely important."
The shortest questionnaire in census history will be mailed out in March. All you have to do is fill it out and return it. If you don't, a second questionnaire will be mailed. If that is not returned, a census worker will pay you a visit.
There are 10 questions on the census form and it should take about 10 minutes to complete. The questions request information such as your name, age, gender, and ethnicity.
According to information provided on "
2010census.gov", we will not be able to fill out the census online. However, census officials are looking into one day offering that option.
For a look at what you can expect, and what you'll be asked, click HERE.
